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Criminal Justice

Shadow of a person behind bars

Excel in criminal law and courtroom advocacy.

Develop expertise in criminal law, procedure, and policy in criminal justice courses that prepare you for effective criminal law practice.

  • 17+ specialized courses from Criminal Procedure to International Criminal Law
  • Hands-on experience through four distinct clinics and externships
  • Public Interest Law Certificate available for focused study
  • Exploration of contemporary reform movements in bail, prosecution, policing, and wrongful convictions

Course List

Criminal Justice Courses

Our upper-level criminal justice courses include a range of options. Related clinics and/or externships are marked with an asterisk. Not all courses are offered every year—consult with faculty for guidance on which courses best fit your goals.

  • Advanced Trial Practice & Procedure
  • Corporate & White Collar Crime
  • Crime Policy & the Growth of Incarceration
  • Criminal Justice Clinic*
  • Criminal Justice Reform Movement Seminar
  • Criminal Procedure: Adjudication
  • Criminal Procedure: Investigation
  • Evidence
  • International Criminal Law
  • International Justice & Conflict Resolution Externship*
  • International Money Laundering, Corruption & Terrorism
  • Post-Conviction Relief Clinical Practicum*
  • Pretrial Practice: Criminal
  • Prosecution Law Clinic*
  • Public Law Theory Seminar
  • Theories of Punishment Seminar
  • War Crimes
Beyond the Classroom

Build skills through hands-on practice.

Our comprehensive approach to criminal justice extends beyond traditional coursework.

Full-time Faculty

Get to know our Criminal Justice leaders.

Recent highlights from the WashU Law community.